The league stage of the Women’s Premier League 2026 has delivered one final twist.
With Royal Challengers Bengaluru already through to the final and Gujarat Giants confirming their eliminator berth after defeating Mumbai Indians, just one playoff spot remains. That ticket will be decided in the final league match between Delhi Capitals and UP Warriorz but MI are not out of it yet.
Here is how the qualification picture looks heading into the last game of the league stage.
Mumbai Indians — Still Alive (Just)
MI have finished their league campaign with 6 points from 8 matches and a net run rate of +0.059.
They no longer control their fate, but they can still qualify depending on the margin of the DC vs UPW result.
MI will qualify if UPW beat DC by a small margin, keeping both teams on 6 points with net run rate lower than MI’s +0.059.
In that scenario:
- MI qualify (best NRR among 6-point teams)
- DC and UPW are eliminated
So MI’s playoff hopes now rest entirely on the margin of the final league game.
Delhi Capitals — Win and You’re In
DC are on 6 points from 7 matches with a net run rate of -0.164.
The equation is straightforward at the top level:
- If DC win, they qualify. They move to 8 points and take the final playoff spot.
- If DC lose, their qualification depends on margin.
- A heavy defeat could drop their NRR below UPW’s and MI’s, eliminating them.
- A narrow loss could still keep their NRR above UPW but possibly below MI — bringing MI into contention.
So while DC have qualification in their own hands with a win, a loss opens the door to a three-way net run rate battle.
UP Warriorz — Must Win, Then Watch the Margin
UPW sit on 4 points from 7 games with a net run rate of -1.146.
- UPW must beat DC to have any chance of qualifying. That takes them to 6 points.
- After that, it becomes a net run rate contest with DC and MI.
For UPW to qualify:
- They need a big enough win to push their NRR above both DC and MI.
If they win only narrowly, MI could still sneak through on superior NRR despite not playing in the final match.
Captains, Pressure, and One Final Equation
This sets up a fascinating finish. Jemimah Rodrigues now leads DC in a must-win game, while Meg Lanning captains UPW against her former franchise in a clash loaded with narrative and stakes.
One match remains.
Three teams are alive.
And the final playoff spot in WPL 2026 may be decided not just by who wins but by how much.
Also Read: WPL 2026: Klinger Reacts as GG End Long Losing Streak Against MI
